Chongqing—The 2025 Dianping "Must-Eat List"—widely considered a barometer of China’s food trends—recently hosted its awards ceremony in Chongqing. The list recognized 95 outstanding local eateries and marked the city as the fourth most represented in the nation. 

A hot pot restaurant has opened inside a stunning karst cave in Chongqing. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

The list highlights not only time-honored street food but also a growing array of international and fusion restaurants, showcasing the city's expanding culinary horizons.

The 2025 Dianping "Must-Eat List" sub-venue awards ceremony. (Photo/Li Yuheng)

Tradition Stands the Test of Time

Among the winners are stalwarts like Chen Yanjing Hotpot, a humble establishment in Yuzhong District that started as a roadside stall in 1994. Owner Chen Yu credits his family’s commitment to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients for their lasting appeal. "Our customers span generations—many who came as children now bring their own kids," Chen said. This philosophy, which blends culinary tradition with incremental improvements and meticulous attention to ingredients, has helped boost business by 30% since being featured on the list for the first time in 2024.

Similarly, emerging names like Heji Mountain City Bullfrog Fish House—run by the second generation of a family with roots in the city’s noodle trade—reflect how time-honored recipes and attention to sourcing still form the backbone of Chongqing’s food culture. These neighborhood mainstays thrive on steady, loyal patronage rather than viral buzz.

Global Tastes Go Mainstream

While local flavors remain central, this year's list also signals Chongqing’s growing cosmopolitanism. Over 20 international or fusion restaurants, including Korean, Japanese, and Western-style eateries, made the cut. For example, Laiguxiang Korean Cuisine has evolved from a novelty in 2008 to a neighborhood fixture, now serving a largely international clientele. According to founder Jin Guangyun, their branch in Qibo Center now counts foreign diners as 40% of its patrons, with services and menus tailored in Korean and Chinese to meet new demands.

Jin Guangyun, founder of Laiguxiang Korean Cuisine. (Photo/Li Yuheng)

This trend is mirrored across the city: what started as "foodie check-in" spots for adventurous locals has become part of daily life for many, signaling the city’s maturing openness and appeal as an international hub for consumption. Restaurants like Jiaoji Chiang Mai Tea Restaurant capture the social and aesthetic preferences of younger diners, prioritizing comfort, atmosphere, and a sense of community, elevating dining from mere eating to a shared cultural experience.

Li Ran, Director of the Applied Economics Department at Chongqing Technology and Business University, notes, "The diversity and integration shown on the 'Must-Eat List' highlight the resilience and vitality of Chongqing’s culinary scene. It’s a city firmly rooted in its own traditions, yet open to global influences—a true food paradise."

Digital Platforms Boost "Hidden Gems"

The list's influence also demonstrates how digital platforms are breathing new life into neighborhood shops and food stalls, helping them overcome challenges of limited visibility and digital literacy. "After being included on the list, our hotpot shop saw customer numbers jump by about 30%," said Cheng Xiwei, owner of Xiaoping Hotpot in Wanzhou District. "Now we welcome diners from across the city and tourists during holidays."

According to Dianping, searches related to the “Must-Eat List” in Chongqing surged by 94% year-on-year, with out-of-town visitors driving restaurant traffic at a faster rate than locals. This digital empowerment transforms once-overlooked local favorites into “nationally shared” culinary hotspots.

Looking ahead, Peng Heliang, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, said the city will further support the restaurant sector in areas like quality improvement, business innovation, and digital transformation, while also emphasizing food safety and service excellence. "We aim to strengthen the ‘Chongqing cuisine’ brand and make the city’s food scene a calling card for residents and visitors alike."